Delta Spirit : Self-titled

On Delta Spiritâ€™s latest, self-titled endeavor, up-and-coming producer/engineer Chris Coady and the band collide to create an indie rock album that brims with authenticity.

To be clear for the purposes of this review, authenticity is the degree to which one is true to one’s own personality, spirit, or character, despite the material world and external forces, pressures and influences. This album shows that Delta Spirit remain authentic to their craft. With that said, music bloggers grumbled that this release isnâ€™t as gritty as previous albums. It is obvious that the band is exploring new sounds, textures and movement here, but this isnâ€™t anything new. Take a listen to â€œTrashcanâ€ on Ode to Sunshine to â€œBallad of Vitalyâ€ on History from Below. This album is no different.

Hailing from the gorgeous city of San Diego, California, the music created by Delta Spirit reflects exactly what California imbues: alternative life styles with sun soaked skies, a zest for life and a never ending positive belief in others. Coady, working out of New York City, captures the best of the bandsâ€™ with which he collaborates, just as he has done here. The first three songs are predictable in style, yet highly energized and powerful; Matthew Vasquezâ€™s charismatic vocals, Will McLarenâ€™s hypnotic guitar, Jon Jamesonâ€™s intense bass, and Brandon Youngâ€™s gift on percussion are at its core.

But the album quickly turns to the exploration of sound. â€œHomeâ€ slows the albumâ€™s tempo down, but doesnâ€™t curb the artistry or the craft. Itâ€™s also a song filled with empathy and compassion for people in need of â€œa hand that can reach you there.â€ â€œTellinâ€™ the Mindâ€ is rowdy, with howling vocals, scratching records, and a dominating drumbeat. â€œMoney Savesâ€ goes back to the dominating forces that anchor the first three songs, bringing the album full circle in style, exploration and craft.